Najib trying to shape Umno-PAS unity perception, says Mahfuz

PAS’ Pokok Sena MP Mahfuz Omar has accused Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak of taking advantage of the humanitarian mission to Myanmar.

He claimed Najib had capitalised on the ‘Food Flotilla For Myanmar’, launched on Friday, to create the perception of Umno-PAS unity.

“Najib tried to politicise the issue and shape public perception.

“To me, it was inappropriate as the programme did not represent any political party,” he told Malaysiakini.

Najib, who had attended the launch with PAS leaders, had described it as a show of Muslim unity.

However, Mahfuz said he was uncomfortable at how the prime minister tried to paint the function.

“It should not be seen as Muslim unity but a humanitarian effort,” he said.

He added that there many other organisations and individuals involved who were not tied to a political party.

The flotilla set sail on Friday to deliver aid to the Rohingya community, which has faced persecution in Myanmar.

In the event, Najib had said that PAS and Umno were on the same ship.

PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man also led the Friday prayers with Najib among the congregation.

The sermon was read out by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Jamil Khir Baharom at Masjid Al Qayyum Bandar Amanda Putra, Port Klang.

Meanwhile, Kedah Amanah urged PAS and Umno to formalise their cooperation in the state.

This was after Kedah Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah yesterday said Umno was prepared to work with PAS at the state level.

Kedah Amanah chief Ismail Salleh noted that Umno and PAS were already working informally, including the flotilla mission to Myanmar as well as an earlier rally to highlight the plight of the Rohingya.

“It is time for the people to evaluate and decide on who to support after they have had informal cooperation for a long time,” he said.

He added that Umno and PAS should cooperate in the 14th general election and end the confused signals they have been sending.- Mkini